Former Zimbabwe international Khama Billiat has broken his silence regarding his high-profile tenure at Kaizer Chiefs, confirming that the rumors of his massive salary were accurate. Billiat, who moved from Mamelodi Sundowns to Naturena in 2018, remained one of the highest earners in the Betway Premiership until his departure in 2023.
Speaking on the Off The Pitch Chat, Billiat expressed deep gratitude for how the club handled his finances, even as fans and critics debated whether his performance justified the price tag.
“They Took Care of Me”
While Billiat remained humble about his teammates’ earnings, he acknowledged that he was in a premier bracket of South African football earners.
“I was paid well, and I really appreciate it,” Billiat stated. “I believe Kaizer Chiefs pays everyone very well, and I was one of the highest paid… compared to a lot of other teams.”
The Performance Gap: Sundowns vs. Chiefs
The debate over whether Billiat’s salary was “justified” often stems from a comparison of his statistical output at his two most recent South African clubs.
| Statistic | Mamelodi Sundowns | Kaizer Chiefs |
| Appearances | 144 | 126 |
| Goals | 48 | 24 |
| Assists | 43 | 29 |
| Major Trophies | 3 League Titles, 1 CAF CL | 0 |
| Goals Per Game | 0.34 | 0.19 |
While his time at Sundowns was defined by a clinical strike rate and a trophy-laden cabinet, his stint at Naturena was often marred by injuries and a “paltry” return of goals compared to the investment made by the club.
What’s on the Horizon for Amakhosi?
Following a gritty 1-1 draw with Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs are shifting their focus toward securing continental football for next season.
- The Goal: Amakhosi need five more points to mathematically guarantee a third-place finish.
- The Next Challenge: A crucial away fixture against Sekhukhune United on Sunday, May 10 (17:30 KO).
- Squad News: Midfielder Siphesihle Ndlovu is sidelined due to suspension, while internal discussions suggest a contract extension for goalkeeper Brandon Petersen is on the table.
